Apple Enters Console War With Next Apple TV?

Today Apple sources have confirmed a tip Engadget received about the next Apple TV. The latest iteration in Apple’s run in the home console industry is based on the architecture of the iPhone 4G containing the A4 CPU. Instead of OS-X lite the next generation of Apple TV will feature an iPhone-based operating system fundamentally compliant with the iPad offerings we have seen for gaming thus far. This system is also able to display in full 1080p high definition!

This is a huge move from a powerful player in multiple industries which will, among other things, launch it into an even more appealing position for video game publishers and developers to release their games on. Cloud storage will even be supported as Apple embraces forward-thinking technologies and seeks to further the standard of streaming entertainment. Video games will see a new player emerge in the high-end home console sector and the “Big 3″ will now become the “Big 4″.

Today we have truly seen everything on Apple’s platform from massive multiplayer online games to action, role-playing, shooters, remakes of classics like Final Fantasy, Need for Speed: Shift and PAC-MAN, and beyond. Many of these games rival their competition in terms of creativity and price point. Cheaper, more accessible games making their way onto the market may be the way of the downloadable future for games in general as price for something you cannot hold in your hands becomes a burden on the consumer in these economic times.

Apple’s iPhone OS is receiving a major upgrade soon with its latest iteration seeing the rise of the Game Center for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. This feature will not only add achievements, universal games friends list, invites, and matchmaking, but also leader boards and more. With such a network rising for Apple’s gaming intentions to come in to the games industry full force, one can only assume the Apple TV will now find its way into this tight-knit family of devices which games and tech savvy consumers are currently enjoying so much.

While iPads were flying off shelves here in the United States, even at their deterring price of $500 and up, the device is just making its debut in other markets including Australia. The price point of this unit is said to be only $99! With the affordable gaming solutions, reliability, and productivity of Apple products lately many gamers may find themselves compelled to consider Apple as a home gaming option now. This is especially true for those of us who would like an iPad but simply cannot justify the major investment at this time. Imagine a fourth competitor entering the home console gaming space. Next year, or even this year, Apple could suddenly start showing up at trade events like E3 and telling the world about the next Apple TV’s games lineup.

With the App Store being such an open development environment (all you need is a Mac, some artists, Flash skills, software and some licenses) indie game developers are instantly going to be drawn to making games for any Apple platform based on the iPhone OS. This may provide gamers with tons of shovel-ware to sift through, but a new organization of the App Store is all you would need to realize that it mainly gives way to the unrestrained creativity of independent publishing.

A 1080p home edition of the iPhone/iPad platform is a serious opportunity for all developers big and small. Many games that are in development with humble budgets will now be able to provide a more massive scope, higher quality game to their fans revitalizing existing franchises as the iPad has already begun to do as well as giving birth to completely new ones.

With the emphasis on cloud storage, streaming content, and digital distribution in general, it appears that Apple has beat Microsoft to the punch with Apple TV in terms of all digital home gaming consoles (which Microsoft has expressed their desire to achieve in the future). Gamers will be able to stream experiences to their Apple TV and even backup content in a device being called a Time Capsule. In any event, it looks like things are going to get much more interesting for gamers soon with more options and selection of great games across all platforms than ever.

Beyond the indie aspect, the major game publisher support seen on the iPad so far from Konami, EA Games, Activision, Take-Two Interactive, and so many others has been quite an incredible preview of what a big-screen Apple platform could bring to the gaming industry. As we all begin to take iPhone and iPod Touch more seriously with publishers like Square Enix releasing full triple A titles on the systems, iPad has been prospering without a doubt.

The productivity and creative games on the machine far outweigh any expectations that may have been held prior to its release, and it continues to evolve and impress. If Apple has truly sought to take the App Store a step further, which they likely have by switching Apple TV to iPhone OS this generation, then expect even more monstrous titles to hit the scene when the machine is released from the indie developer community as well as major league industry leaders and their development partners.

It is my belief that exclusives make the console. As long as the Apple platform continues to receive lots of love and excitement from the video games development industry then the sky is the limit for innovation on the level of game-play and even graphical presentation and efficiency optimization (for all of you OCD gamers out there like me). Right now the Apple platform is getting great exclusive games giving gamers of all kinds a reason to check out the system, and the great part about Apple TV is that it will be easy to invest in knowing that you have access to so many apps for around $99 in HD.

I believe that Apple’s step in making the next Apple TV iPhone-based is the first in many for their entry into the home video games console industry. By choosing to go this route they are re-affirming commitments to publishers and developers worldwide who love making games for Apple’s platform. If the fruits of their labor are any indication of the future capabilities of a games platform run by Apple then things are looking pretty good for gamers overall, as competition breeds quality. Let’s hope they’re thinking what I’m thinking about iTV’s potential.

Join the Discussion

That’s sound amazing, apple tv paired with a service like on live would me a massive threat to the BIG3, i hope apple makes an appearance at E3.

John Lock

Fail, I don’t want sh***** *ss ipod games.

I CALL BULLSHIAT

99 dollars seems too good to be true.

http://dualshockers.com Jon Ireson

Yes it does, but think about how much bigger of an impact they would have if they were apple to release at that price point. Remember, Sony and Microsoft take losses when they release a brand new system, no one is saying they will profit off of this particular hardware.

I hope Apple remains vigilant with their 99$ price point and does not change it. This will be a great addition to gaming. Even if you are not interested in the least bit of the system, be interested in the competition it will bring increasing innovation, risk, and quality across the board for the Big 3.

Wilson

Well, just a few weeks ago Nintendo said their main competitor would be Apple. So this isn’t too far fetched.

Otacon

Playing flash games on my TV?! Exactly what I wanted!

http://dualshockers.com Jon Ireson

I personally judge games based on how great/fun they are and not based on the tools that were used to make them. Nintendo Wii is doing pretty well yet they are using the same tools that they have had for multiple generations now. And the new Super Mario Galaxy 2 for example is even making people like me, who don’t own a Wii, turn my head. So yeah, to rule out any games you have not seen yet based on the tools used to make them is just a little bit silly.

There is currently no information released on controllers for this device, we will keep you up-to-date as more details are released. This is one of the things I’m most curious about with this machine as well!

Thank you for the question.

http://dualshockers.com Chad Awkerman

You’ll have to use an iPhone or iPod Touch as the controller. That’s why the system is so cheap, you have to buy the controller separately.

Oh, wait, this is Apple, not Nintendo. My bad.

fidget

Is this a paid advert? It certainly looks like one.

http://dualshockers.com Jon Ireson

It’s possible that with the ability of streaming games to the machine (such as OnLive’s concept goes) the developers will actually be able to go far beyond anything available on iPad (which is really not bad either to be honest). No, this is not an iPod for your house because this is HD and the iPod Touch is not. Also, this system will have the capability of streaming experiences to you therefore you will be able to experience games that are rendered and processed elsewhere and depending on how developers are able to take advantage of this, it could mean a ton of added horsepower to this device which is likely already well beyond iPad capability.

For those still laughing at the idea or thinking this is a joke/ad. It’s not. Just take a look at Need for Speed: Shift on the iPad and tell me again why this is unimaginable for you.

Like I said in the article, the App Store needs to be re-arranged and is certainly over the brim with titles you would not want to waste your time on. However, there are also tons of indie gems and serious major league support from companies like Konami, Square Enix, EA, Take-Two Interactive, and more who are bringing more than just Super Brick Breaker-style games. Much more!

http://www.zomgrei.com Tim

No offense, but the processing power just wouldn’t let it compete with the PS3/360. With the Wii, maybe, but I consider the Wii in a category all it’s own. There are just too many gimmicky titles on the Wii to consider it a serious gaming system. But if they release full and true ports of the serious games to the Wii and actually make it work and not be gimmicky, then I will be all over it.

Sadly, I’m not a fan of how the iPod Touch controls on a lot of games. Like the Wii’s motion controller, the use of tilting the system (iPod) is VERY novel, and doesn’t lend itself to serious games like shooters or sim games. Granted, touch is a very cool concept and it might turn out to work for them in the long run.

Apple’s got a good shot at making it if they target the Wii base and not the “‘core” gamer base. Their games, like Pac-Man? Please… I’ve seen a billion free iterations all over the Web. I’m not gonna shell out cash for a 1080p version of it!

And Jon, no offense, but Need For Speed games are terrible lately; Shift is no exception. EA’s really missed the mark with the past few iterations of the franchise, and they really need to rethink the entirety of their direction.

Good article though – keep it up!

Chris

I would love to see Apple go head to head with Sony an Microsoft,and with the ps3/x360 having hardware problems I think Apple could deliver a quality hardcore gaming console for all of us who are getting tired of repairing or replacing these systems, but they’ll never do it, hardcore gaming is out of their league.

chris

I’m not a mac fan particularly, (allthough I woudn’t mind an I phone 3gs 32gb!!)

But this IS BIG KNEW’S

For those of you who have not grasped the concept off live streaming yet,,, Let me illuminate….,..

Live streaming means (in a very simple way)

I’,m sat hear on my boya kick urse overclocked i7 gaming pc. It can play crysis on max with lots off aa (i have duel gtx 480’s in sli)

It’s looks amazing, no console can even dream off matching that kind off mashine, BBBUUUTTT IT COST ME nearly £2000 to build,, (consol’s are around 200 300 by comparison)

What streaming dous is allows me to do is compresse that game off crysis down to nothing but a tv stream (playable on any device that can support the rezolutions and power need,s

I.e a cheap tv box from apple or sky(or your ps3 or xbox)

Only downside is that you need a good internet conect.

This isn’t new tech but could potentially be huge allowing full hardcore pc gaming experience to anyone with a tv and high speed net!!!

Now are you exited???? you bet you damn well are (think high end gaming netbooks playing crysis, Arma 2 on mobile phone screens??,,,,,,,,,,,

HI a new 3D puzzle game lauch on ipad.deMessify is an original iPad game, designed specifically for iPad screen and size. A simple 3D puzzle game with realistic physics and amazing graphics. It draws gameplay elements from several different genres and blends them together into a unique puzzle game. It consists of 60 levels of “totally messed up” mazes of interconnected spheres on 3D platform.

hey at last finally i found the my fav ipad game trailer in youtube, i would like to﻿ thankful the demessify. Can i get a iphone version of it. Because i was unable to carry my ipad all times. And i need more puzzle games.